Check Your SASSA Balance and Payment Updates Online

If you receive a SASSA grant or your SRD (Social Relief of Distress) application is approved, you often want to confirm your balance, see whether the payment has been processed, or find out when the funds will arrive. 

SASSA provides multiple ways to check both your status and payment updates. 

This guide shows you official methods and tips to avoid errors.

Can you check your SASSA balance?

SASSA does not typically display a “balance” like in a bank account. 

Instead, it shows whether your grant is approved, pending, declined, or paid, and gives a payment date when available. 

Many status check tools include a “Payday” date if your payment is scheduled.

For example, on the SRD portal, once your application is approved, the result often shows the payment window or payday.

So, “balance” in the SASSA sense means: Did they approve, and is a date assigned? That determines whether money is coming and when.

What is the official method to check payment status online?

The most reliable route is using the SASSA SRD (SC19) portal:

1. Go to srd.sassa.gov.za (or SASSA’s SRD section).
2. Find the “Check Status” option (sometimes “My Application Status” or “Status Check”).
3. Enter your 13-digit South African ID number and your mobile phone number (the same number used in the application).
4. Submit. The portal will show your current status, past months’ statuses, and if approved, the payday for the month.

Always use the same details as your original application to avoid “no match” or failed checks.

Are there other methods (SMS, WhatsApp, USSD) to see payment updates?

Yes. These methods often show whether your status is approved or if payment is scheduled:

1. SMS: Send STATUS <space> IDnumber from the number you used in your application to 32555. You’ll get a reply with your SRD status (and possibly payment date).
2. WhatsApp: Save 082 046 8553 and send “Status” or “SASSA”, then follow prompts. The reply may include your status and payment date.
3. USSD: Dial 12069277# or 1203210# from the number you used. Follow prompts. The status result may include payment info.
4. Phone call: Use SASSA’s toll-free number 0800 60 10 11. Provide your ID and mobile number, and you may be told your status or payday.

These methods are helpful when the portal is slow or unavailable.

Why might the status say Approved but not show a payment date?

You may see Approved without a date for these reasons:

1. Your banking or payment method details are still being verified or updated.
2. Identity verification or contact validation is pending. If SASSA has not confirmed your identity or mobile number, they hold the payment scheduling.
3. Your case has been “referred” for additional checks (fraud, mismatch, or external verification).
4. Payment batches are assigned later. SASSA often approves many applications first, then schedules paydays in batches. So your date might show later in the month.

What should I do if my status shows Paid or Payment in process?

If your status shows Paid or that payment is processed:

1. The money may take 1-3 business days to reflect in your bank, depending on your bank or your payment method.
2. For non-bank methods (Cash Send, Pick n Pay, Post Office), check with the retailer or bank partner whether the funds are ready.
3. If you don’t see the funds after a few days, confirm your bank account is active and allows deposits.
4. Use the status check again to see if your status has changed or if any error messages appear.

How can I update my banking details so payments go to the correct account?

If your bank info is wrong or needs updating:

1. Visit srd.sassa.gov.za /SASSA portal and select Change Banking Details (or similar).
2. Select your identity type (ID document or permit holder) and input your ID number + phone number.
3. Receive an OTP (six-digit code) by SMS to verify your identity.
4. After verification, you will get a link via SMS to enter your bank name, account number, branch code, and account type. Submit.
5. Confirm and submit. Your updated banking details will be used for future payments starting the next payment cycle.

Make sure your bank account is in your name and active.

What should I do if no payment updates or status changes appear?

If there is no update or change after you expect one:

1. Double-check that you used the correct ID number and mobile number in your status checks.
2. Use alternate checking methods (SMS, USSD, WhatsApp, call) in case one system is down or slow.
3. Wait a day or two—system delays happen during high demand.
4. Revisit the portal in the late afternoon or overnight, when load might be lower.
5. If many days pass without change and you have verified your banking and identity, go to a SASSA office. Bring your ID, mobile number, and any reference or communication you received. Ask staff to verify your status.

If your application was declined or shows “Failed,” you may need to lodge an appeal or reconfirm data.